Bulwark Takes

Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the latest drama on the online right, from a bizarre AI video posted by Trump aide Dan Scavino to the growing influence of QAnon conspiracy theories inside Trump world. Will explains why QAnon followers believe Scavino was sending them a coded signal and what the reaction reveals about the movement.
Plus, the pro-data-center party bringing a strange mix of MAGA, tech, and online-right figures together in Washington, Mark Halperin’s warnings about Republican prospects, and the growing fight over anti-Indian rhetoric on the right. Sam and Will also discuss disgusting comments from Texas railroad commissioner candidate Bo French, including previously deleted posts found by CNN's KFile calling for the execution of Barack Obama.

Trump says he’s banning news organizations over negative coverage. Then his own officials go on TV and insist that’s not what’s happening. Will Saletan meticulously breaks down Todd Blanche’s defense of Trump’s press crackdown, Mike Waltz getting confronted with the president’s own words, and the shifting story about the war with Iran.

Trump’s White House is racking up losses, picking fights with the press, and increasingly operating without anyone willing to tell the president no. Bill Kristol talks with former Trump White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews about what’s happening behind the scenes, why Republicans are suddenly putting some distance between themselves and Trump, and why she fears things could get even more reckless after the midterms.

Catherine Rampell and Will Sommer take on Trump’s escalating war on the White House press, the amateur-hour MAGA media operation stepping in to replace the traditional White House pool, and Byron Donalds’ awkward attempt to put a little distance between himself and Trump. Plus, Kimberly Guilfoyle’s misadventures as ambassador to Greece involve a mysterious lobbyist, questionable energy dealings, a middle-of-the-night trip to Albania, a shattered vodka venture, and one extraordinary warning to a U.S. ally.
Byron Donalds removes Trump references from his campaign website:
 https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2026/09/22/byron-donalds-removes-trump-mentions-florida-governor-campaign-website/
Trump responds by announcing two rallies with Byron Donalds:
 https://floridapolitics.com/archives/821961-trump-to-rally-twice-with-byron-donalds-ahead-of-election-day-says-donalds-would-lose-if-he-dropped-trump/
The Mystery Man Shadowing Kimberly Guilfoyle as She Pushes Deals Across Europe: https://www.wsj.com/articles/kimberly-guilfoyle-mystery-man-energy-5adeb541?mod=hp_lead_pos10
Listen to Catherine's new show, Receipts!
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/receipts-with-catherine-rampell/id6807470569
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1O2Z2akwyonpAsbxyMqBTV?si=7d81ca2f299e4409

Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss examine the growing Russian threat in Europe, separating the real danger of Russian sabotage and state terrorism from the media panic over a potential Russian invasion of NATO territory. They discuss the intelligence briefing that sparked concerns across Europe, how the assessment has since been revised downward, and why Russia’s escalating sabotage campaign could still lead to a dangerous mass-casualty event.
They also examine how Europe can respond to Russian aggression, the role of NATO and Article 5, and why Russia may be testing how willing the West is to push back.
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